Side Jobs in Japan

If your main job in Japan is not paying enough to cover all the bills or you want to save some money for a bigger purchase, considering a side job might be an option. However, as a foreigner, there are a few things you need to take into account when working a side job.

1. Does your main job allow side jobs?

First, you should check the regulations towards side jobs of the company you work for primarily. Some companies forbid any kind of side jobs, others allow it but you have to file for permission or there are certain limitations. Make sure not to violate any regulations.

2. Does your visa allow you to work side jobs?

As a foreigner there always is the visa issue when it comes to working. If you are on a regular working visa you are only allowed to work in jobs that belong to the visa category. If e.g. you have the international services visa you are not allowed to work as a cook or engineer, as these are separate visa categories. Also, simple tasks as e.g. being a shop assistant are usually excluded.

You might also need to file a request for a special work permission at the immigration office for your side job.

I would recommend consulting someone at the immigration office to find out whether you are allowed to work in the desired job and what documents you might need.

If you are on a spouse or unlimited visa you don't have any regulations as to where you can work so you don't need to worry about this issue. 

3. Do you need to pay taxes?

Depending on how much you make on the side you might have to pay taxes for your side job. The amount that you can make tax-free is different depending on what kind of job you are doing so when things get more concrete consulting a tax consultant might be a good idea.

If you have to pay taxes you will have to file your taxes on your own. If you only have one main job usually the company will file for you however if you receive income from different sources you will have to file a Kakutei-Shinkoku (確定申告) with your local tax bureau every year. Online submission is possible as well.

Have you tried working a side job in Japan? Did you have any trouble or did everything go smoothly?